Rather than legalizing it, Maryland lawmakers have opted to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana. That would mean that possession of 1 ounce or less would be a civil offense. The Maryland House passed the bill Saturday – it now goes to Governor Martin O’Malley for his signature. The measure would be effective on October 1st of this year.

As the General Assembly session winds down in Maryland, state officials are looking at a gradual increase in the minimum wage over the next 3 years. The State Senate yesterday approved House Bill 295, which will boost the state’s minimum wage to $10.10 by 2017.